3.17.2017

Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., is sponsoring its 14th Annual Juanita Kidd Stout Economic Empowerment Expo at the Audenreid High School on Saturday, April 8, 2017.

And if past programs are any indication, this will be an even greater expansion of the services and opportunities that young entrepreneurs and adults who are embarking on starting their own businesses can take advantage of.

The event starts at 9:00 AM, but doors open at 8:30 - where guests and participants will be served a light breakfast as they check in, receive their gift packs, and make their way to the auditorium.

Open to youth from fifth grade through senior high school; and young adults - college level to mature - the program will link the participants with resources and information to assist them in succeeding in their business ventures. Parents are also encouraged to attend as well to learn about the little geniuses they are raising who may well become the next great business owner/operator in his or her own right.

Highlights of the event include two blue-ribbon panels on business ownership and development; financial literacy, as well as governmental and local resources to assist in the establishment and expansion of businesses.

To make the day even more special, the Keynote Speaker will be none other than the consummate entrepreneur, Kenny Gamble of Gamble and Huff, and founder of Universal Companies.

There will be several workshops, including Financial Literacy; Home Ownership - with a special extended workshop featuring NACA - for first time home buyers; Networking and Connecting; Local and Governmental Services. Start ups and well as established businesses will definitely benefit from these resources.

Simultaneously, there will be special workshops just for the kids - Entreprenurial Programs for Youth - who will have an opportunity to talk about their ideas and dreams and concepts in a different environment - hosted by youth who have already started or currently run their own successful businesses; and a host of others that are still in formation!

You won't want to miss this powerful and empowering event - whether you just sketched the concept out on your dining room table; it's been a dream of yours for quite some time; or you just started with what you have, but are looking for guidance in moving forward in the right direction take some time out to come out and meet and pick the brains of the experts.

While the youth can attend for free, we are asking for a small fee of $5.00 from the adults - this can either be paid online when you register with EVENTBRITE, or when you arrive

(NOTE - the cut off date for registering online with EVENTBRITE has been extended to April 7, 2017).

As part of the ongoing effort to expand businesses in the community, Mentorships will be provided to two emerging "Minority" Female Entepreneurs - including :

How to Start a Business

How to Write a Business Plan

Business Licenses and Permits

In addition to providing access to financial resources, the Chapter will offer two grants in the amount of $1,000 each for financial assistance. However, each applicant will have to do a pitch of her business before a panel that will be looking for specific criteria. For details of how to qualify for these grants, please emailjks@phillyalumnae-dst.org - immediately - if not sooner.

For those of you who already have established your businesses and would like to vend at the event, please also contact jks@phillyalumnae-dst.org

If there are organizations or sponsors that would be interested in contributing to the program, either through in kind contributions, or expertise, please contact jks@phillyalumnae-dst.org, as well.

This is an opportunity for our communities to come together and begin to build on the considerable human treasure that resides here, and provide the encouragement, support, and recognition they need and deserve, so that they may, in turn, be contributors in their own right.

GDW FOOTNOTE: Now that we've gotten the preliminary formalities out of the way, let me say this: I am so proud that not only was Judge Stout the first Black woman ever to serve as a judge anywhere in the US - and on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, but also that she was originally from Oklahoma - and you know me, as a proud daughter of Oklahoma, I have to at least brag a little. Wewoka, Oklahoma is still a thriving little enclave. And to make it even more special, Judge Stout was a proud and active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Philadelphia Alumnae Chapter. GDW

Cover of EBONY Magazine featuring Justice Juanita Kidd Stout

There is actually a building named in her honor as well. There's so many wonderful ways in which she has inspired so many of us.

The Justice Juanita Kidd Stout Center For Criminal Justice

Feel free to share this information with family and friends - and make it your business to attend as well - REMEMBER: THE BUSINESS YOU EXPAND MAY BE YOUR OWN!